Money and costs

Currency

Exchange Rates

Rates provided by Open Exchange Rates. Last updated
December 09, 2016 12:01PM
UTC

Daily Costs

Budget
(up to)

¥8000

Dorm bed: ¥2800

Set meal at casual restaurant: ¥800

Train and bus tickets: ¥1500

One temple or museum entry: ¥500

Midrange

¥8000–¥20,000

Double room at a business hotel: ¥12,000

Dinner at an izakaya (Japanese-style pub): ¥4000

Train and bus tickets: ¥1500

Temple and museum entries: ¥1000

Top end
(more than)

¥20,000

Double room in a top hotel: ¥23,000

Meal at a good sushi restaurant: from ¥10,000

Train tickets or taxi ride: ¥4500

Temple and museum entries: ¥1000

Many Japanese ATMs don’t accept foreign-issued cards, but ATMs in Japanese post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores do. Likewise, credit cards are not universally accepted in Japan, though can be used at most hotels, department stores, upscale restaurants, JR ticket offices and even some taxis. Still, you should never assume that you can use your credit card – always carry sufficient cash as a backup.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Japan and the Japanese never do it. Leaving money on the table in a restaurant will usually result in the waiter chasing you down the street to give it back. However, if you feel like you’ve received excellent service from a guide or your personal maid at a ryokan, then place some money in an envelope and hand it to the person (handing cash over without an envelope is considered crass in these situations).